In a continuing effort to bring audiences back to an experience that’s often perceived these days as overpriced, noisy, and mediocre, movie theaters are trying to bring in exclusive non-cinematic entertainment like sports, concerts, opera, and pop culture-themed events to some degree of success.

It’s an intriguing idea, but, much like this whole 3-D trend, I’m not sure if it’s one that will gain any real traction. They seem to be doing it more and more here in NYC, though, so maybe it’s something to keep an eye on.

What is different now? The economic need is greater, and the technology needed to show live broadcasts and high-definition films is now accessible enough, and reliable enough, to make this a real market, operators say.

About 5,000 movie screens in the United States are equipped with digital projectors, up from 200 just three years ago. Within the next two years, that number is expected to be 10,000. Digital projection systems, while expensive, give theaters the ability to pull off live, high-definition simulcasts — and also open the door for 3-D presentation, something that is expected to lift their core movie business.

“We can now replicate Carnegie Hall across the country,” said Matthew Kearney, the chief executive of Screenvision.

Perhaps not exactly. But a $40 ticket to hear the New York Philharmonic play at Carnegie Hall gets patrons a balcony seat. At a multiplex, for half that price, customers would get digital surround-sound and a close-up view.

General, Movie/TV, In The Theaters